Inbox: The State Dept just issued this travel advisory for China, saying “Chinese authorities have asserted broad authority to prohibit U.S. citizens from leaving China by using ‘exit bans,’ sometimes keeping U.S. citizens in China for years.” pic.twitter.com/OkOngPMLuO

The People’s Republic of China exerts control over visiting U.S. citizens through “exit bans” that can keep U.S. citizens in China for years. The ban specifically targets U.S.-Chinese citizens or Americans of Chinese heritage.

The goal of the ban is to, “compel U.S. citizens to participate in Chinese government investigations, to lure individuals back to China from abroad, and to aid Chinese authorities in resolving civil disputes in favor of Chinese parties,” according to the travel advisory.

Those harassed by authorities about the ban often do not find out how long the ban lasts and when it will be lifted.